I just had a thought about something that could get taken on board that is proven to have extremely beneficial effects on dry skin.

Rice bran (called nuka in Japan).

It's quite cheap and easy to get hold of - doesn't have to be boxed like this: http://chidoriyaworld.stores.yahoo.n...ukurowash.html

You just put some in some cheesecloth, wet it with water and use it like soap or as a face pack.